Russell often chose second- or third-rate flagships rather than the largest first rates available. Their maneuverability helped the admiral observe and control a battle. The 90-gun second-rate HMS Duke, launched in 1678, served as Russell's flagship for the 1689 blockade of France and remained a favored command platform. The choice shows that a flagship was an instrument of command and situational awareness, rather than simply the fleet's biggest prestige hull.
Notable Point · 1:22:38-1:23:20
Russell chose maneuverable flagships for battle command
See why Russell preferred a maneuverable second-rate flagship such as HMS Duke to the largest available ship of the line.